Mike Preston
Council Member
Biography
Mike Preston was re-elected to his second consecutive term as a San Marcos City Council Member in November 2006. Council Member Preston first served on the Council from 1987 to 1992 and then resumed his tenure in 2002. During that time, Preston served as Vice Mayor in 1991, 1992 and 2003.
Some of his City Council accomplishments include sponsoring the San Marcos Parks and Trails Master Plan, televising and internet streaming council meetings, and posting campaign statements and city ordinances online. Preston also supported the extension of Twin Oaks Valley road to San Elijo, and the Ridgeline protection ordinance.
Currently, Preston serves as the chair of San Marcos Discovery Valley Utility and is co-chair of California Clean Energy Resource Authority. He was an alternate to SANDAG from 1988 to 1992. Previously, he has represented the city on the North County Fire Protection District board and the North County Transit District board.
Additionally, his commitment to the community is exhibited through his work with the San Marcos Boys and Girls Club where he has served on the board of directors since 1992. He has been honored with several awards including the Philanthropy Council Volunteer of the Year, the Dean Tilton Award and the Chairman’s Award. Preston oversaw the development of a new building while serving as board president from 1993 to 1995. Preston is currently a member of the San Marcos All Veterans Memorial committee that has raised the funding to erect the first phase of a memorial to all veterans.
Preston also served as a San Marcos Unified School District Board Member from 1982 to 1987 and again from 1996 to 2002. He led the fight for the “Back to Basics” approach to education, pursued higher graduation requirements, and advanced placement courses. Preston was instrumental in improving district-wide test scores by demanding more accountability.
Council Member Preston resides in San Marcos with his wife Luanne.
Election History
Elected to San Marcos Unified School Board, 1982-1986
Re-Elected to San Marcos Unified School Board, 1986
Appointed to City Council, 1987
Elected to City Council, 1988-1992 (Vice Mayor, 1991-1992)
Elected to San Marcos Unified School Board, 1996-2000
Re-Elected to San Marcos Unified School Board, 2000
Elected to City Council, 2002-2006 (Vice Mayor, 2003)
Re-Elected to City Council, 2006-2010
